The Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) has ordered an internal inquiry after photographs of a postgraduate medical examination question paper allegedly circulated on WhatsApp while the examination was underway on July 27, 2026. The incident, involving the General Surgery MD/MS second paper for the 2023-26 postgraduate batch, has raised concerns over examination security. However, university officials have clarified that the episode should not be termed a conventional "paper leak" because the question paper allegedly surfaced only after candidates had entered the examination hall and the test had begun.

The controversy pertains to the All Odisha Medical PG Examination, conducted by OUHS for postgraduate medical students across the state.

According to reports, photographs of the General Surgery question paper allegedly appeared in WhatsApp groups while candidates were still writing the examination. Some postgraduate students also alleged that answers to the questions were circulated from certain mobile numbers during the test. These claims are part of the ongoing inquiry and have not been independently confirmed by the university.

Reports further stated that the incident came to light after a postgraduate student alerted university authorities about the alleged circulation of the question paper on social media during the examination.

Following the allegations, OUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. Manas Ranjan Sahoo announced an internal investigation into the incident.

The university has sought reports from all medical colleges where the examination was conducted to determine how photographs of the confidential question paper were taken and circulated despite restrictions on mobile phones inside examination halls.

According to PTI, Dr. Sahoo also directed all affiliated medical colleges to strengthen security arrangements for the remaining postgraduate examinations while the inquiry is underway.

Commenting on the controversy, Dr. Sahoo said the university does not consider the incident a conventional paper leak.

In a interview with PTI, he a paper leak generally refers to a question paper becoming available before the scheduled start of an examination. Since the General Surgery question paper allegedly surfaced on WhatsApp only after the examination had begun, he said the incident should be treated as a breach of examination confidentiality rather than a conventional paper leak.

He nevertheless described the incident as serious, noting that candidates are prohibited from carrying mobile phones into examination halls. The inquiry will determine how the images were captured and identify any lapses in examination protocol.

According to media reports, a preliminary inquiry suggested that the photographs may have originated from one of the examination centres. However, OUHS has not officially identified any institution or individual as responsible, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The university has stated that appropriate action will be taken after the inquiry establishes the source of the alleged breach and any violations of examination rules.

As of now, OUHS has not announced the cancellation of the examination or a re-test. The outcome of the internal investigation is awaited.

(Rh/ARC/MSM)